During the Handa Pilipinas: Mindano Leg, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) highlighted its latest advancements in Geotextiles, Medical Textiles, and Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) technologies held at the KCC Convention Center in General Santos City on October 2, 2024. This follows similar events held for Luzon and Visayas, showcasing the Institute's commitment to promoting innovative textile solutions nationwide. 

With the theme "Innovate, Empower, and Collaborate: Building Disaster-Resilient Mindanao," the event aimed to boost national preparedness and response capabilities particularly in Mindanao by highlighting technological advancements that address disaster resiliency. It also sought to raise public awareness about the preventable and solvable challenges the country faces today, particularly in disaster mitigation. 

One of the key features of DOST-PTRI’s exhibit was the bamboo-based Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), made from textile fibers derived from 𝘉𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘢, or Kawayang Tinik. The bamboo was sourced from partner farmers in La Union and transformed into fabric that meets the demands of military use. The fabric was screen-printed with camouflage patterns developed by DOST-PTRI in collaboration with a local textile finishing mill. This eco-friendly alternative emphasizes sustainability without sacrificing the durability required for field uniforms.  

In addition to its military textile innovations, DOST-PTRI introduced the Philippines' first and only Geotextiles Testing Services facility. The institute emphasized the critical role of geotextiles in infrastructure projects such as buildings, roadworks, and bridges. Through this testing service, geotextile materials are evaluated to ensure they meet international standards, bolstering the quality of materials used in various construction projects throughout the country. 

Further advancing its technological contributions, DOST-PTRI also highlighted the Medical Textile Testing Center, the first and only facility of its kind in the Philippines. The center offers local manufacturers affordable and efficient testing services for medical textiles, including face masks and protective clothing. This facility not only ensures the safety and quality of medical products but also strengthens the country’s capacity to respond to public health challenges. 

The participation of DOST-PTRI in the Handa Pilipinas event underscores its commitment to innovation and its role in enhancing the nation’s disaster preparedness and resiliency efforts through science and technology.